







Creating a realistic marketing budget is essential for businesses looking to maximise impact without overspending. Whether you're a startup or an established brand, knowing how much to invest, where to allocate funds, and how to track ROI ensures your marketing efforts deliver real results.
Why a Well-Planned Marketing Budget Matters
A well-structured budget helps you:
Steps to Setting a Realistic Marketing Budget
1. Define Your Marketing Goals
Before you decide on a budget, identify what you want to achieve:
Aligning your budget with clear goals ensures every pound is spent strategically.
2. Review Your Past Performance (If Applicable)
If you've run marketing campaigns before, analyse:
Use this data to refine your budget and focus on what works.
3. Determine Your Overall Marketing Spend
A general rule of thumb:
Your budget should reflect your business stage, industry, and goals.
4. Allocate Funds to the Right Channels
Distribute your budget across different marketing efforts:
Prioritise the channels that align with your audience and goals.
5. Plan for Flexibility & Unexpected Costs
Marketing trends shift, set aside 10-15% of your budget for:
Being adaptable helps maximise opportunities without financial strain.
6. Track, Measure & Adjust Your Budget
Regularly review your spending and performance:
A budget isn’t set in stone, adjusting based on data ensures ongoing success.
Need Help Creating a Realistic Marketing Budget?
Our FREE 90-Minute Marketing Planning Consultation will help you structure a budget that drives real results without wasting resources.